Stair-climbing remote control utility wagon

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a stair-climbing remote control utility wagon. The wagon provides a forward chassis arm and a rear chassis arm which are interleaved with each other, providing a broad, stable base. The forward chassis arm terminates in a forward chassis, and the rear chassis arm terminates in a rear chassis. The forward chassis and the rear chassis provide powerful, battery-powered electric motors and caterpillar tracks. The forward chassis arm and rear chassis arm are fully articulated by servomotors, providing telescoping segments which may be extended and retracted with servomotors, and the motor housing of the forward chassis arm further provides infrared sensors, which are controlled by a microprocessor to enable the wagon to climb a flight of stairs. The forward chassis arm and rear chassis arm may also be used to elevate the bed of the wagon to any height, up to 48 inches.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/420,112, filed Nov. 10, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to disabled assistance devices and inparticular to a stair-climbing remote control utility wagon. Formillions of elderly and disabled people, as well as those who arerecovering from surgery or serious injuries, staying independent isvitally important but a trip to the grocery store can be verychallenging. Performing other chores around the home can also bedifficult. Grocery bags must be lifted to a particular height to be putaway, and for such tasks as painting a room, it would be useful toelevate the necessary tools and supplies, such as a paint can and aroller tray, to a convenient height. Also, while the user may be capableof traversing a flight of stairs without carrying anything, adding bagsof groceries or other items to the trip makes it impossible. A devicewhich can carry and elevate such items, and navigate a flight of stairsunder its own power, would be very useful.

A search of the prior art reveals various vehicles and associateddevices which have been developed to provide means to solve the problemsfound in stair climbing devices. None are closely related to the presentinvention, but several include features which resemble those of thepresent invention. Each has proven to be less than satisfactory in itsown way.

Stair-climbing wheel chair, U.S. Pat. No. 3,283,839 (filed Mar. 2,1965), provides a plurality of wheels mounted on a spider rotatableabout a central axis. The balancing means comprises adownwardly-outwardly projecting pivoted arm supported at its lower endby pluralities of rollers mounted on arms projecting from the axis ofmounting. The arms rotate about the axis and the rollers also rotateabout their own axes, and this arrangement provides a particularlyeffective means for supporting the chair or other vehicle againsttipping and, at the same time, prevents the chair from catching orhanging on the overhanging lip of the stairs. Preventing the rollersfrom catching on the overhang may be augmented by using belts aroundsome of the rollers.

Stair climbing wheelchair, U.S. Pat. No. 3,142,351 (filed Jan. 19,1962), provides a framework of a wheelchair which enables stair climbingwith a combination of hydraulics and an electric motor, but is verylabor intensive for the user.

Stair-climbing vehicle, U.S. Pat. No. 3,450,219 (filed Mar. 13, 1967),provides an improved hand-guided moving dolly having a plurality ofwheels, each of which is mounted on one of the radial arms of arotatable spider. The wheels and the spider are connected in the form ofan epicyclic train, all of which is driven by a single power source. Theratio of the arm lengths to the wheel radii is such that the momentnecessary to turn the spider is slightly greater than the moment neededto turn the wheels on a flat surface. In operation, the power applied tothe wheels will move the dolly horizontally until it contacts the firstriser of a flight of stairs. The moment needed to turn the wheels nowbecomes greater by reason of the obstruction, thereby causing the spiderto rotate and climb the first step. The torque on the wheels remainsconstant during rotation of the spider and, as soon as the verticaltransition is complete, the torque on the wheels will cause thehorizontal movement of the dolly to continue. The wheels and spiders oneach side of the dolly are connected and driven through a differentialdrive whereby the spiders on each side are caused to rotate together.

Stair-climbing vehicle, U.S. Pat. No. 3,241,848 (filed Dec. 27, 1963),provides a vehicle having at least one multiple-armed wheel-supportingspider with a wheel mounted near the end of each arm. The wheels areconnected by means of an epicyclic drive to a power source, which may bethe occupant of the vehicle. On smooth terrain one of the wheels on thespider rests against the terrain and is driven in forward or reversemotion through the epicyclic drive, propelling the vehicle accordingly.On rough terrain, such as stairs, the multiple-armed spider is driven inrotation while the central or sun gear of the epicyclic drive, or itsequivalent, is held stationary with respect to the frame of the vehicle.A 1:1 ratio between 3,241,848 Patented Mar. 22, 1966 the sun gear or itsequivalent, and a planet gear or its equivalent attached coaxially toeach wheel, causes the wheel, although rotating with respect to thespider arm, to undergo no rotation on its axis with respect to the frameof the vehicle. As the spider rotates, successive wheels are brought tobear against successive portions of the rough terrain, such assuccessive stairs of a flight of stairs, and there placed, begin tosupport the weight of the vehicle.

Stair climbing dolly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,515,401 (filed Nov. 6, 1968),provides a frame, each side of which is in the shape of an elongated,narrow, inverted U which is narrower at the top than at the bottom.Reinforcing cross members extend between the arms of each U-frame part.A group of wheels is further provided at each side, arranged about acommon axis, which are manually moved about said axis by leverssuccessively from step to step of the stairway. One way clutch bearingspermit forward rotation of the groups of wheels about said axis butprevent reverse rotation of said wheels. A tilting mechanism facilitatesloading of a piece of equipment on the apparatus.

Stair climbing wheel chair, U.S. Pat. No. 3,269,478 (filed Dec. 6,1965), provides a wheel chair is provided with front and rear rests onwhich it can be supported in a substantially normal position whenclimbing a stairway or the like, while the wheels which are normallyused are retracted. The chair is also provided with a pair of front legsand a pair of rear legs, which are pivoted so that they swingfore-and-aft of the chair. Each of the legs is extendible lengthwise ofitself by means of a power device, so that the chair can be raised offits supporting rests for fore-and-aft movement on its legs. In addition,another power device is connected between the chair and at least one ofthe legs for pivotally driving the legs so that the chair can be movedforward or back while it is supported by the legs. Control means arelikewise provided for operating the lifting and driving power devices,so that the occupant of the chair can raise the chair up on its legs,move it forward or back over a stair or stairs and set it down on itsrests on the stairs. The legs are then retracted, swung into position onthe next set of steps and extended to raise the chair again, so that itcan be moved into a new position, either up or down the stairs, or evenon the level ‘or other walking surface.

Some of the prior art inventions present certain disadvantages. Thepresent invention has been developed for the purpose of addressing andresolving these disadvantages. A stair-climbing remote control utilitywagon, which provides a bed with siderails on an articulated, trackedpair of chassis, would resolve these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a stair-climbing remotecontrol utility wagon. The wagon provides a forward chassis arm and arear chassis arm which are interleaved with each other, providing abroad, stable base. The forward chassis arm terminates in a forwardchassis, and the rear chassis arm terminates in a rear chassis. Theforward chassis and the rear chassis provide powerful, battery-poweredelectric motors and caterpillar tracks. The forward chassis arm and rearchassis arm are fully articulated by servomotors, providing telescopingsegments which may be extended and retracted with servomotors, and themotor housing of the forward chassis arm further provides infraredsensors, which are controlled by a microprocessor to enable the wagon toclimb a flight of stairs. The forward chassis arm and rear chassis armmay also be used to elevate the bed of the wagon to any height, up to 48inches.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitutea part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying thewagon 10, the forward chassis arm 11, the rear chassis arm 12, theforward chassis 14, the rear chassis 15, and the side panel 19.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the lower portion of the first exemplaryembodiment with the chassis arms extended, displaying the forwardchassis arm 11, the rear chassis arm 12, the segments 13, the forwardchassis 14, and the rear chassis 15.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying thewagon 10, the caterpillar tracks 16, the bed 17, the front panel 18, theside panels 19, and the rear panel 20.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying thewagon 10, the forward chassis 14, the motor housing 14A, the caterpillartracks 16, and the front panel 18.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment,displaying the wagon 10, the forward chassis 14, the motor housing 14A,the caterpillar tracks 16, the front panel 18, and the side panel 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is astair-climbing remote control utility wagon 10.

The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a wagon 10, whichprovides a forward chassis arm 11 and a rear chassis arm 12 which areinterleaved with each other, providing a broad, stable base. The forwardchassis arm 11 terminates in a forward chassis 14, and the rear chassisarm 12 terminates in a rear chassis 15. The wagon 10 further provides arectangular bed 17 mounted on top of the forward chassis arm 11 and therear chassis arm 12. The bed 17 is enclosed by a front panel 18, twoside panels 19, and a rear panel 20, which provide siderails and may belowered to a horizontal position, and securely latched in the verticalposition or the horizontal position as desired, enabling loading andunloading from any direction.

The forward chassis 14 and the rear chassis 15 may be canted to the leftor the right to provide steering with a tight turning radius. Theforward chassis 14 and the rear chassis 15 further provide powerful,battery-powered reversible electric motors, which are enclosed in motorhousings 14A which also provide long-life, rechargeable lithium ionbatteries. Preferably, the forward chassis 14 and the rear chassis 15further provide retractable power cords which may be plugged into anygrounded wall outlet, for the purpose of recharging the batteries.

The forward chassis 14 and the rear chassis 15 further provideheavy-duty rubber caterpillar tracks 16 mounted on hardbar suspensions,which prevent damage to the user's flooring, sidewalk, and drivewaysurfaces. The forward chassis arm 11 and rear chassis arm 12 are fullyarticulated by servomotors, and provide telescoping segments 13 whichmay also be extended and retracted with servomotors.

The motor housing 14A of the forward chassis 14 further providesinfrared sensors, which are controlled by a microprocessor to enable thewagon 10 to climb a flight of stairs. The forward chassis arm 11 andrear chassis arm 12 may also be used to elevate the bed of the wagon 10to any height, preferably up to 48 inches, by extending the telescopingsegments 13. Optionally, the wagon 10 may provide a leveling systemwhich may be comprised of a gyrostabilizer, a plurality of levelingarms, and servomotors, or other devices. Such a leveling system iscontrolled by the microprocessor, such that the bed 17 is kept levelrelative to the ground regardless of whether the front chassis 14 andrear chassis 15 are traversing a flight of stairs or other difficultterrain.

The wagon 10 is entirely controlled by a remote control. Preferably, theremote control provides a simple joystick and throttle control system.Electronic components of the remote control preferably include aninternal ring antenna, a transmitter capable of operating on RadioFrequency (RF) or any one of several other short-range wirelesscommunication protocols, a battery, and a deactivation button. Otherelectronic components of the system, which are installed in the motorhousing 14A of the forward chassis 14, preferably include a memorydevice, a microprocessor, an internal ring antenna, a plurality ofinfrared sensors, and a transmitter capable of operating on thecommunication protocol of the remote control.

The second exemplary embodiment is similar in structure and function tothe first exemplary embodiment, with the following modifications. Thebed 17 provides one or two folding, padded, forward facing seatssuitable for infants or toddlers, configured in a conventionalfore-and-aft arrangement, which provide five-point harnesses similar tothose provided by vehicle safety seats. The seats fold flat into the bed17, leaving a flat surface. The second exemplary embodiment is intendedfor use by an elderly or disabled user who is responsible for the careof young children, and may be used to transport the children into or outof the user's residence. A removable fabric canopy, and other featuressuitable for a carriage for small children such as cup holders and adiaper bag, may also be provided.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may elect to lower thefront panel 18, one or both of the side panels 19, or the rear panel 20to a horizontal position as desired. The user may then load grocery bagsor other cargo into the bed, and if one or more panels has been lowered,raise the panels to a vertical position and secure them with thelatches. The user may then operate the remote control to activate thewagon 10 and navigate the wagon wherever the user may choose.

The forward chassis arm 11, the rear chassis arm 12, the forward chassis14, the motor housings 14A, the rear chassis 15, the front panel 18, theside panels 19, the rear panel 20, the suspensions, the electric motors,the batteries, and the latches are preferably manufactured from rigid,durable materials which are corrosion resistant and provide substantialstructural strength, such as painted steel, titanium, or aluminum alloy.The caterpillar tracks 16 are preferably manufactured from a flexible,durable material such as rubber.

The bed 17 and the siderails are preferably manufactured from rigid,durable materials which may provide a decorative element, such aspainted steel, brass, and polished hardwood. The remote control andwagon-mounted electronic components are preferably manufactured fromrigid, durable materials, such as stainless steel, brass, plastic,acrylic polymer, and aluminum alloy. The power cords are preferablymanufactured from braided copper alloy wire sheathed in plastic.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable,but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materialscould be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understandand appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, andequivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. Theinvention should, therefore, not be limited by the above describedembodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methodswithin the scope and spirit of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A utility wagon for stair climbing and traversing otherdifficult terrain, which provides a forward chassis arm and a rearchassis arm which are interleaved with each other, with the forwardchassis arm terminating in a forward chassis, and the rear chassis armterminating in a rear chassis.
 2. The wagon of claim 1, wherein thewagon provides a rectangular bed mounted on top of the forward chassisarm and the rear chassis arm, which is enclosed by a front panel, twoside panels, a rear panel, and siderails which may be lowered to ahorizontal position, and securely latched in the vertical position orthe horizontal position as desired.
 3. The wagon of claim 1, wherein theforward chassis and the rear chassis may be canted to the left or theright to provide steering with a tight turning radius.
 4. The wagon ofclaim 1, wherein the forward chassis and the rear chassis providepowerful, reversible electric motors, which are enclosed in motorhousings and are powered by long-life, rechargeable lithium ionbatteries.
 5. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the forward chassis and therear chassis provide retractable power cords which may be plugged intoany grounded wall outlet, for the purpose of recharging the batteries.6. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the forward chassis and the rearchassis provide heavy-duty rubber caterpillar tracks mounted on hardbarsuspensions.
 7. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the forward chassis armand rear chassis arm are fully articulated by servomotors, and providetelescoping segments which may also be extended and retracted withservomotors.
 8. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the motor housing of theforward chassis further provides infrared sensors, which are controlledby a microprocessor to enable the wagon to climb a flight of stairs ortraverse other difficult terrain.
 9. The wagon of claim 1, wherein theforward chassis arm and rear chassis arm may also be used to elevate thebed of the wagon to any height, preferably up to 48 inches, by extendingthe telescoping segments.
 10. The wagon of claim 1, wherein a levelingsystem comprised of one or more gyrostabilizers, a plurality of levelingarms and servomotors, or other devices is controlled by themicroprocessor, such that the bed is kept level relative to the groundregardless of whether the front chassis and rear chassis are traversinga flight of stairs or other difficult terrain.
 11. The wagon of claim 1,wherein the wagon is entirely controlled by a remote control whichprovides a simple joystick and throttle control system, the remotecontrol comprising at least an internal ring antenna, a transmittercapable of operating on Radio Frequency (RF) or any one of several othershort-range wireless communication protocols, a battery, and adeactivation button.
 12. The wagon of claim 1, wherein a memory device,a microprocessor, an internal ring antenna, a plurality of infraredsensors, and a transmitter capable of operating on the communicationprotocol of the remote control are installed in the motor housing of theforward chassis.
 13. The wagon of claim 1, comprising additionalfeatures or options as essentially described herein.
 14. The wagon ofclaim 2, wherein the bed provides one or two folding, padded, forwardfacing seats suitable for infants or toddlers, configured in aconventional fore-and-aft arrangement
 15. The wagon of claim 14, whereinthe seats provide five-point harnesses similar to those provided byvehicle safety seats, and may be folded flat into the bed, leaving aflat surface.